Aiza has always dreamt of becoming a Knight. It’s the highest military honor in the once-great Bayt-Sajji Empire, and as a member of the subjugated Ornu people, Knighthood is her only path to full citizenship. Ravaged by famine and mounting tensions, Bayt-Sajji finds itself on the brink of war once again, so Aiza can finally enlist in the competitive Squire training program.
It’s not how she imagined it, though. Aiza must navigate new friendships, rivalries, and rigorous training under the unyielding General Hende, all while hiding her Ornu background. As the pressure mounts, Aiza realizes that the “greater good” that Bayt-Sajji’s military promises might not include her, and that the recruits might be in greater danger than she ever imagined.
Aiza will have to choose, once and for all: loyalty to her heart and heritage, or loyalty to the Empire.
Squire by Sara Alfageeh & Nadia Shammas
Published by Harper Collins; March 8, 2022
Genres: Graphic Novel | Fantasy | YA | Historical Fiction | Fiction
Pages: 305 Paperback
Format: Paperback
Source: Public Library
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T/W: War, Violence, Famine
Rated: YA & Middle School
★★★★☆ | 4 / 5
“Squire” is the winner of the 2022 Harvey Awards, and rightly so. This is a wonderful Graphic Novel, with lovable characters and a fascinating story. The pacing was just perfect, as the tale animated itself before my eyes. There was a day in between reads when I felt as though I was watching a TV series rather than reading it.
Characters are a tool. History, altogether, is a tool, and tools are neutral until they’re wielded. When you listen to a story, think about who is telling it. When you listen to a history, think about who it serves.
I liked that the main character grew throughout the story. Not just Aiza, but her friends Husni, Sara, and Basem. Watching them training, becoming stronger. Eventually, they gain an understanding of what is going on in the world around them. Seeing the unfolding of revelation was exciting, if not thrilling.
There were a few moments in the story that were predictable, but it does not deter from the fine writing and artwork. The characters are just so expressive. The setting is established beautifully by including the many minute details with historical references.
Considering this is written by Nadia Shammas, a Palestinian American writer, and Sara Alfageeh, a Jordanian American illustrator. The acknowledgements at the end of Squire feature letters from the author and illustrator. We also get a glimpse into the creation of their story and the process of making a page of panels. This is a wonderful bonus to gaining understanding and knowledge in the creation of a Graphic Novel, which takes a lot of time and energy.
I would highly recommend this graphic novel to anyone in middle school age and up.
★★★★☆ | 4 / 5
